logo
Toxic algae causing mass deaths of sharks, rays and other marine life off Australia: "Like a horror movie for fish"

Toxic algae causing mass deaths of sharks, rays and other marine life off Australia: "Like a horror movie for fish"

CBS News15-05-2025

A vast bloom of toxic algae is killing more than 200 species of marine life off the southern coast of Australia, scientists and conservation groups say.
The algae — Karenia mikimotoi — appeared in waters around South Australia state in March, causing mass deaths in species including sharks, rays, crabs and octopuses.
"There are carcasses littering beaches," said Brad Martin, a manager of the non-profit fish conservation group Ozfish.
"It is like a horror movie for fish," Martin told the BBC.
Toxic algae kills more than 200 marine species in Australia https://t.co/cT7tK57S0n — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) May 13, 2025
Beaches on wildlife-rich tourist draws such as Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula have been affected.
The bloom stretches across 1,700 square miles, Martin said -- an area larger than Japan or Germany.
Karenia mikimotoi has been detected around the world since the 1930s, including off Japan, Norway, China and the United States where it has disrupted local tourism and fishery industries, causing millions of dollars worth of damage. In California, hundreds of seas animals have died due to a toxic algae bloom stretching from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, CBS Los Angeles reported last month.
But Martin said South Australia had not previously experienced a toxic algae bloom of this scale or duration.
"It's an unprecedented event, because the bloom has continued to build and build," wildlife scientists Vanessa Pirotta told the BBC.
The South Australian government said the event is thought to have been driven by a marine heatwave, as well as relatively calm marine conditions.
Marine biologist Shauna Murray, who identified the algae species for the authorities, said it damages the gills of fish and prevents them from breathing.
"It is not pleasant," said Murray, from the University of Technology Sydney. "It will probably take some time for the ecosystem to recuperate."
While conditions usually ease towards the end of April, there had been no relief yet, South Australian Environment Minister Susan Close said this month.
"We need a big change in weather to break this thing up -- there is nothing we can do to precipitate this," she told national broadcaster ABC.
In the meantime, South Australian authorities have urged beachgoers to avoid swimming in water that is discolored or foamy, warning that it can irritate the skin and affect breathing.
Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and duration of marine heatwaves across Australia, which significantly affects marine ecosystems.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Schoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South Africa
Schoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South Africa

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Schoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South Africa

A minibus carrying schoolchildren has been swept away by heavy flooding in South Africa, a spokesperson for the Eastern Cape provincial government has told the BBC. Khuselwa Rantjie said it was unclear how many children were on the bus, but three had so far been found alive. Rescue efforts had been suspended as night had fallen and would resume on Wednesday, she added. In a separate incident, the bodies of seven people carried away by flood water have been found in the province's OR Tambo district. South Africa has been hit by heavy snow, rains and gale force winds that have claimed the lives of a further five people in a road accident, and have left nearly 500,000 homes without electricity. The Eastern Cape - the birthplace of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela - has been worst-affected by the icy conditions, along with KwaZulu-Natal province. The bad weather has forced the closure of some major roads in the two provinces to avoid further casualties. "This is a devastating reminder of nature's force. We urge everyone to exercise extra caution in areas prone to flooding," Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane said in a statement. Five people died when a minibus taxi overturned near the coastal city of East London, with the driver saying he had lost control as he was trying to avoid a fallen tree, Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, told the BBC. Two people were injured in the accident, he added. State power utility Eskom said that almost 300,000 homes had been hit by electricity cuts in 14 towns and villages in Eastern Cape. A further 196,000 homes in 24 areas in KwaZulu-Natal were also experiencing power cuts, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena told the BBC. KwaZulu-Natal Transport Minister Siboniso Duma said that heavy snow had led to lorries being stuck on roads, causing huge congestion. Grader machines have been stationed on worst-affected roads to clear snow before it reached more than 30cm (12in) in depth. Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela also warned of strong winds and heavy waves at sea, making navigation for ships difficult. Both Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are along the coast. South Africa regularly receives snowfall during its winter months, from June through August, with temperatures diving below 0C (32F). There is also regular flooding and scientists say that climate change is causing heavier rainfall in the region. Flash floods and overflowing rivers between 30 April and 2 May caused significant damage to about 4,500 homes, and left 18 people injured. Unpacking the South African land law that so inflames Trump Rebuked by Trump but praised at home: How Ramaphosa might gain from US showdown Tears and heartbreak over tragic story of South African girl sold by her mother Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa

Schoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South Africa
Schoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South Africa

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Schoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South Africa

A minibus carrying schoolchildren has been swept away by heavy flooding in South Africa, a spokesperson for the Eastern Cape provincial government has told the BBC. Khuselwa Rantjie said it was unclear how many children were on the bus, but three had so far been found alive. Rescue efforts had been suspended as night had fallen and would resume on Wednesday, she added. In a separate incident, the bodies of seven people carried away by flood water have been found in the province's OR Tambo district. South Africa has been hit by heavy snow, rains and gale force winds that have claimed the lives of a further five people in a road accident, and have left nearly 500,000 homes without electricity. The Eastern Cape - the birthplace of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela - has been worst-affected by the icy conditions, along with KwaZulu-Natal province. The bad weather has forced the closure of some major roads in the two provinces to avoid further casualties. "This is a devastating reminder of nature's force. We urge everyone to exercise extra caution in areas prone to flooding," Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane said in a statement. Five people died when a minibus taxi overturned near the coastal city of East London, with the driver saying he had lost control as he was trying to avoid a fallen tree, Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, told the BBC. Two people were injured in the accident, he added. State power utility Eskom said that almost 300,000 homes had been hit by electricity cuts in 14 towns and villages in Eastern Cape. A further 196,000 homes in 24 areas in KwaZulu-Natal were also experiencing power cuts, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena told the BBC. KwaZulu-Natal Transport Minister Siboniso Duma said that heavy snow had led to lorries being stuck on roads, causing huge congestion. Grader machines have been stationed on worst-affected roads to clear snow before it reached more than 30cm (12in) in depth. Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela also warned of strong winds and heavy waves at sea, making navigation for ships difficult. Both Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are along the coast. South Africa regularly receives snowfall during its winter months, from June through August, with temperatures diving below 0C (32F). There is also regular flooding and scientists say that climate change is causing heavier rainfall in the region. Flash floods and overflowing rivers between 30 April and 2 May caused significant damage to about 4,500 homes, and left 18 people injured. Unpacking the South African land law that so inflames Trump Rebuked by Trump but praised at home: How Ramaphosa might gain from US showdown Tears and heartbreak over tragic story of South African girl sold by her mother Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa

When and where Saharan dust storm and 'blood rain' could hit the UK this week
When and where Saharan dust storm and 'blood rain' could hit the UK this week

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

When and where Saharan dust storm and 'blood rain' could hit the UK this week

The UK's topsy-turvy weather is set to continue this week, with forecasters hinting at the possibility of 'blood rain' heading to UK shores. A brief blast of heat is expected for much of the country later in the coming days - only to quickly be replaced by torrential rain. And, what's more, it is predicted the downpours will bring with it some Saharan dust. Here, Yahoo News UK looks at exactly what Saharan dust is and what it could mean for the coming days. It's a mixture of sand, detritus and dust from the Sahara Desert that have been blown thousands of miles by strong winds in the upper part of the atmosphere as far north as British shores. However, for it to end up on the ground, it needs to be carried there by a meteorological vehicle, such as rain. According to the Met Office, Britain's official forecaster: "As raindrops fall, they collect particles of dust on the way down. Then when the raindrops land on something and eventually evaporate, they leave behind a layer of dust." This is sometimes referred to as 'blood rain'. According to Met Office forecasters, there are currently "hints of a little bit of Saharan dust in the atmosphere on Thursday and perhaps Friday". Thunderstorms forecast for later in the week will "potentially wash any sand out of the atmosphere". Heavy rain is currently expected to start in Northern Ireland, western Wales and south west England on Wednesday night, before moving north and east over Thursday. This is then predicted to be followed by a second band of rain following the same pattern over Friday and Saturday. However, downpours are also expected to be preceded by high temperatures, reaching almost 30C in parts of southern and central England. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: 'After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. "These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south. The intense rainfall could see 20-40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption. "While there are no severe weather warnings issued at the moment, it is possible thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week.' The most obvious impact most will see from 'blood rain' is a reddish residue left on cars, pavements and garden furniture. In 2022, Saharan dust left a red tinge to snow at ski resorts in the French Pyrenees, while staff at Legoland in Germany had to deploy jet washers to hose down attractions before visitors arrived. BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood advised the public to keep an eye out for "impressive sunrise/sets" as a result of the phenomenon. As the southerly flow develops this week, there will be some Saharan dust pushing widely across the UK from later on Wednesday to Friday. You may notice this on your car! And where there are clear skies there is also the chance of some impressive sunrise/sets.@BBCBreakfast xx — Carol Kirkwood (@carolkirkwood) June 9, 2025 However, it can also have more serious consequences, particularly for people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD or bronchitis. 'If there's a lot of air pollution in the air [and] if you have a pre-existing lung condition, those fine particles can get into your airway and irritate airways that may already be inflamed," said Karen Spillett, deputy head of health advice at Asthma and Lung UK. "If you're out and about and you have a reliever inhaler, make sure you've got that reliever inhaler with you.' She added: 'If you do start to get symptoms — that might be coughing, wheezing, tightness across your chest, feeling a bit more breathless — you can take that reliever inhaler and that can hopefully help with your symptoms.' One of the last widespread instances of Saharan dust affecting Europe was in March 2022, when parts of Germany, Spain and France all found themselves blanketed with a layer of red debris. But it has also struck more recently, such as last month, when the phenomenon left a brown haze hanging over Athens, the Greek capital. And last year, dust clouds over Italy saw temperatures in June approach 40C. Closer to the dust's starting point, in Africa, a dust storm in Senegalese capital Dakar shortly before Christmas reduced visibility to less than 500 metres.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store